THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has assisted around 10,000 former New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their families in the process of integrating themselves into mainstream society.
In a statement over the weekend, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the aid provided by the agency includes livelihood and employment programs.
"Our department is committed to advancing the welfare of our fellow workers who are former rebels," DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said.
He also said DOLE is committed to ensuring that opportunities are available for former combatants so that they can have "sustainable sources of income and transition successfully to civilian life.
Benavidez also emphasized the significance of the livelihood program in helping individuals secure permanent income through entrepreneurship.
"Through the 'Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa ating mga Disadvantage Workers' (TUPAD) program, DOLE has allocated resources to support the employment of former rebels, demonstrating a commitment to fostering economic stability and social inclusion within this group. This initiative has played a crucial role in offering emergency employment opportunities and livelihood projects to facilitate their seamless reintegration," Benavidez said.
Benavidez noted that over 6,100 former rebels have already benefited from livelihood assistance, with Caraga, Zamboanga Peninsula and Davao Region, standing out as key regions with a significant number of beneficiaries, highlighting the extensive impact of DOLE's reintegration endeavors.
"In Caraga, we have assisted over a thousand individuals, while in Regions 9 and 11, we have supported close to 900 beneficiaries," Benavidez said
"Through our TUPAD program, we have provided emergency employment to almost 10,000 former rebels. Despite the substantial investment required, DOLE remains unwavering in its commitment to further assist our fellow citizens who have returned to the fold of the government," he added. (Priam Nepomuceno)
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